Guru Purnima 2024: Guru Purnima is one of the most celebrated festivals in reverence for spiritual gurus and teachers. July 21st, 2024, is Guru Purnima, a day of respect, appreciation, and remembrance for gurus lighting our way with insight and understanding.. In 2024, this revered festival inspires its disciples to reflect upon the teachings and the guidance from their gurus. The influence of such revered figures extends over a vast spectrum, ranging from spiritual enlightenment to academic excellence. Some of the most influential ones are Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar, Swami Ram Krishna Paramhans, Dr. Vikas Divyakirti, Sadhguru, and Shri Aniruddhacharya Ji Maharaj. Each of the above-mentioned gurus has been an inspiration to millions of people to develop themselves, contribute towards society, and ultimately realize the true purpose of life.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravisankar- A Visionary of Peace and Well-Being
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been the humanitarian leader and spiritual master for millions around the world who found his preachings on peace and well-being most inspiring. His Art of Living Foundation has been working on promoting a society free of stress and violence through the accomplishment of various service projects and different courses on self-improvement. His teachings focus on inner peace, compassion, and community service as ways to implement an all-rounded approach to life.
Gurudev has been awarded with numerous awards and accolades like Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award of India, and numerous honorary doctorates. His services do not stop at the spiritual platform; he is the Chancellor of Sri Sri University and Chairman of the Yoga Certification Committee of India for Quality Control. His astute leadership in multifarious dimensions has enabled the world to imbibe the sanctity of Yoga, Meditation, and World Peace.
Swami Ram Krishna Paramhans-The Sage Who Guided Swami Vivekananda
One of the great sages, revered by all, Swami Ram Krishna Paramhans influenced a lot of spiritual thought within India. His lessons of humility, truth, and egolessness have become timeless wisdom to his disciples. His most famous disciple, Swami Vivekananda, carried these teachings forward to give India a new identity upon the global stage.
The philosophy of Paramhans Ji was based on the egoism of illusion and truth as a means to divine self-realization. According to him, honesty and humility are two factors in which any individual could have true spiritual awakening. His timeless teachings inspire people to live a life of integrity and devotion, crossing barriers of time and culture.
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti-Champion of Hindi Medium Students
One such professionally elite personality who changed the whole scenario of competitive exam preparation across the Indian subcontinent is Dr. Vikas Divyakirti, founder of Drishti IAS. Hailing from a middle-class family in Haryana, it was his deep-rooted passion for Hindi literature and education that led him on his journey. Equipped with multifarious background experiences in the realms of philosophy, psychology, cinema studies, social issues, and political science, the approach of Dr. Divyakirti added immense value to the learning experience of thousands of students.
He has tirelessly taken up the cause of Hindi medium students, especially when CSAT was introduced by the UPSC. His struggles to have parity in access to educational resources brought out the manner in which the system victimizes non-English medium students. Through his coaching institute, he empowered many an aspirant to live their dreams and give back to society.
Sadhguru- Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Contemporary Thought
Sadhguru, a Yogi, Mystic, and Visionary in transforming the lives of millions. Known for making ancient yogic sciences relevant and accessible to modern minds, Sadhguru’s work has been a reality in itself—transcending traditional belief systems by offering practices that transform. His book, “Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy,” is on the New York Times Bestseller list and reaches out to people across the globe.
As one of the sought-after speakers at global forums—the United Nations, World Economic Forum—he addresses issues ranging from socioeconomic development to environmental sustainability. That ability takes him as an invited speaker to some of the most premier academic institutions in the world, like Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Stanford, Wharton, and MIT. Sadhguru’s holistic vision continues to inspire people to seek inner peace and contribute positively to society.
Shri Aniruddhacharya Ji Maharaj-The Contemporary Storyteller
Shri Aniruddhacharya Ji Maharaj is a renowned spiritual story teller whose deep stories and discourses keep the audiences spellbound. His journey began from a financially stringent childhood but he was quite determined about getting an education. He later went on to study Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures at Vrindavan. Under the tutelage of Sant Guru Giraj Maharaj, Aniruddha Ji gained an in-depth insight into spiritual texts and traditions.
His Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, broadcast across various mediums, has been a household item that illuminates millions with spiritual knowledge. There is faith, patience, and perseverance in learning reflected in the teachings of Aniruddhacharya Ji. His journey from a poor child to a revered spiritual guide truly epitomizes the greatness of education and power in changing lives.
The Immortal Gurus of Spirituality and Education
On Guru Purnima 2024, we take the opportunity to revere and remember these spiritual and educational gurus for their sacrifices leading and inspiring people. All those lessons they taught are beyond religion, culture, and language; rather, they contain universal wisdom that facilitates personal growth with societal harmony.
From the timeless vision of peace of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar to the humble gestation into humility and truth of Swami Ram Krishna Paramhans, from Dr. Vikas Divyakirti’s crusade on educational equity to Sadhguru’s ancient wisdom with modern blending of thought, or for that matter, Shri Aniruddhacharya Ji Maharaj’s spiritual storytelling—all have been making a difference in the lives of humanity. In doing so, we are brought closer to the realization of just how much we stand to gain from an earnest teacher or guide in our lives.
Guru Purnima does not stand as a reverential day but as an appeal to live by the principles taught by such great gurus. It is the day for introspection upon the teachings of gurus, applying that wisdom in our life, and furthering the journey of self-improvement and service to others. It is through their guidance that we can find our way more clearly, purposefully, and compassionately through life’s complexities and contribute to a world more harmonious and enlightened.